After its world premiere at Auckland’s Civic Theatre and screenings as part of the NZ International Film Festival 2013, Romeo and Juliet: A Love Song heads to wider release in NZ cinemas. Having previously questioned director Tim van Dammen about the film, we asked producer and writer/composer Michael O’Neill about the process of turning Shakespeare’s timeless classic into a stage musical and then a feature film.
Hello from Flicks. What have you been up to today?
MICHAEL O’NEILL: Today was spent in the studio recording drums for a new project.
How long has it been since the first impulse to hit a note and start setting Shakespeare to music?
I started the year my youngest daughter Lily was born. She will be 10 in March.
What sparked the initial idea?
We were looking for a conceptual project and a friend of mine mentioned Romeo and Juliet. I knew instantly on re-reading the play after many years that we would attempt putting it to music.
At what point did you think a filmed version was a good idea, and how did you get the wheels turning on that aspect of the project?
It was after talking with Andrew Lloyd Webber in 2010. He came to see the initial staged production at ArtsEd in London. We talked about Jesus Christ Superstar and how the film defined the visual language.
How did you come across director Tim van Dammen?
I started looking for a director as soon as I got back from London. I eventually decided upon Tim because he was a prolific music video director and the libretto at that time was running at two hours. We meet a couple of times and Tim impressed me as a person who was creative, practical and incredibly courageous.
What did you think he brought to the project before filming commenced?
Tim understood the challenges of having a libretto effectively as a script. He brought a vision that was fresh while still being true to Shakespeare’s original story.
How much pre-production work was required to fit the score and screen components of the project together?
Pre-production was not an issue as filming was shot with the actors singing along to the original recordings. Post-production was more of a challenge as editing crafted the libretto into a film.
Did you visit the set much? What was that experience like?
Once Peter and I signed off the treatment and all preparations and arrangements had been made, we left Tim to direct. On the few occasions we did visit the set I was impressed by the vibe that surrounded the production.
How do you feel about the finished film?
I love the film. I think everyone involved has done an excellent job.
Are there any particular aspects of it that you’re especially proud of?
I like the fact we have taken a world story and infused it with Kiwiana.
Which aspects of Shakespeare’s original work do you think translate most strongly on screen, and why?
I think the uncompromising nature of first love and all that entails. It will always be relevant.
Who would be the best, and worst, possible people to bring along to the film?
People that love or hate the challenge of something new.
What was the last great film you saw?
Never Let Me Go, based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro and directed by Mark Romanek.
Do you think you’ll attempt something similar in the future?
Yes, we are in the process of recording the tracks for our next project. It will not be an opera but it will have a very strong musical element.
